Summer Reading Tip #4: Read, then Watch or Watch, then Read

Kids love movies, and movies based on books (or books based on movies) can be an easy way to get your kids interested in reading. Reading a book aloud before watching the movie together can be a fun family activity, especially on those days when it’s just too hot to spend much time outdoors. It’s also okay to watch the movie first, then read the book. My 6-year-old listened all the way through Alice in Wonderland precisely because she enjoyed Tim Burton’s rendition so much. Otherwise, that story would have likely been put away until she (and her attention span) grew a bit more. There are lots of kids books based on popular TV shows as well– check out the bookshelves below to find one that your child will enjoy. Whether you kid is into Martha Speaks or Shake It Up!, you could be in for a pleasant surprise when you find an engaging and entertaining book that helps your child want to read! They may not all be time-honored classics like Charlotte’s Web or Old Yeller, but any book that keeps reading fun will help your kiddo build reading skills, and when they like to read and want to read, that’s worth a lot!

Read the Book, Watch the Movie II

View more… Just a friendly reminder, experts agree that screen time should be limited to no more than an hour or two per day, and children under age 2 should spend time with people, not screens.

Visit the Library every Friday afternoon at 2 pm this summer for Friday Flicks. Please note this is a change to the schedule advertised in Library News. Our librarians will have a variety of materials related to the movie available for checkout, so your kids can grab a great book inspired by the movie before you leave the library!

June 13, The Edge

June 20, Marvin Auditorium B

June 27, Marvin Auditorium B

July 11, Marvin Auditorium AB

July 18, Marvin Auditorium C

July 25, The Edge

Aug 1, The Edge

While you’re here, be sure to sign up for Summer Reading, if you haven’t already.

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Natalie works in the Kids Library and has a background in teaching. She delights in spreading bookjoy to people of all ages. She also takes interest in cycling, creating art, social justice, raising small livestock, and making music.